Thursday, September 11, 2014

RIP Kirby McCauley, 1941-2014

Sad news about a major behind-the-scenes figure in horror/science fiction/fantasy fiction: agent and editor Kirby McCauleydied on August 30 from diabetes complications (today is actually his birthday). He was Stephen King's first agent and was instrumental in King's earliest success, and worked with major figures in genre fiction. Also, far as I can tell, even sold a lil' something called Games of Thrones to Bantam for a little-known author named George R.R. Martin. McCauley edited the seminal anthology of modern horror, 1980's Dark Forces, which surely made the genre fresh and relevant for the post Exorcist/Rosemary's Baby age.

Apparently there was little note of his passing, which is a crime. I only found out about it visiting ISFDB to see which genre writers were born today. Fortunately, the mighty Martin has a wonderful piece on McCauley; it is a must-read.

I offer a heartfelt, if belated, thanks to McCauley for all his contributions to the horror genre, and for his insistence that genre writers should have the best talent working in their favor so that their words can be read by millions.

A sad passing. It was noted on a few of the genre forums that are still active, but I got the impression that not many contemporary fans had heard of him. I read the pieces by Monteleone and Martin, and it made me realise how good a non-fiction book about the 'boom' time, and the lead up to it, would be.I have 'Dark Forces' and 'Frights' - time to track the others down.Lincoln.

Sad news for sure. I have all of the mcCauley ed. collections pictured here, and they were some very well done and stimulating books unlike the other fly by night short story compendiums. You knew you coulf trust Kirby to pick the best and freshest crop. So it was always exciting to see his name on the cover.

HORROR FICTION HELP

Looking for a forgotten horror novel or short story? Remember the paperback cover art but not the title or author? Send me an email at toomuchhorrorfiction[at]gmail.com describing it and if I don't know it, one of my readers might!

YE OLDE BOOKSHELF

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